MA ProgramInformation & Admissions

Master of Arts in Communication

The MA Program in Communication provides a range of courses in five general fields of communications research:

new communication technologies and their impact on society

communication, citizenship, and social relations

the political economy of communication

communication and cultural policy

the history of communication and media systems

Students may write their thesis or research essay in any of the above fields or one closely related to these areas. To assist them with their research, there is a mandated course on research techniques and strategies.

Joining the MA Program

The program admits between 10 and 15 new students each year and may be pursued on either a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time students normally complete their course work during the fall and winter terms and then proceed to write either a thesis or research essay, which usually takes one or more additional terms.

Deadlines and Admission Process

The deadline for applying for admission to the MA program is February 1. Applications received after that date may still be considered, but only if places remain in the programs after the first round of admissions has been completed. Applicants who submit their applications by late January will be eligible for early offers of admission.

The decisions on admission are made by the department’s Admissions Committee comprised of 3-4 faculty members and chaired by the Graduate Supervisor. First-round decisions are made in early March and applicants are notified by the program administrator of their status by e-mail shortly afterwards. Applicants who are offered admission will also be informed of the funding package being recommended to Graduate Studies. The applications of unsuccessful applicants cannot be held until the following year. In a few cases, applicants may be placed on a short waiting.

Formal offers of admission and funding are sent electronically to successful applicants by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The offer of admission is normally sent first. Once it has been accepted, the formal offer of funding outlined by the department will then follow. Applicants are encouraged to keep the Graduate Supervisor advised as to the progress of these offers from Graduate Studies.

Funding and Scholarships

Students entering and pursuing the MA Program in Communication have been very successful at obtaining funding through Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarships valued at $15,000, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) fellowships. View our Funding and Scholarships page to see some of our past winners.